The course is connected to the following study programs
- PhD Programme
Course description
The 'Apparatus: Reading' course ensures the necessary depth and breadth of academic knowledge in order to secure a high academic standard in the final PhD thesis. The content of the course, in combination with the individual work on the thesis, provides a solid foundation for generating original academic knowledge in order to make a substantial contribution to a discipline or area of professional practice. The candidates will gain knowledge of the apparatus that surrounds formalized research: validating research as research (systems of authority including referencing and peer review); structuring research (in terms of research questions and activities); research design (theory and methods of humanities and/or social sciences); and research mediation (communicate ideas to specialized and non-specialized audiences.) The course is organized through dialogue-driven seminars/workshops in which the discussions centre on each candidate’s research topics, methods, and challenges.
Learning Outcome
Knowledge
After completion of the Apparatus course the candidate:
- can evaluate strengths and limitations of adequate research designs in their own research endeavours, and to actively assess the design choices, and their implications, in research conducted by peers.
- applies knowledge to demonstrate authoritative judgement, adaptability, and responsibility as an independent scholar or leading practitioner.
- can develop, adapt, and implement research methodologies to extend and redefine existing knowledge or professional practice.
Skills
After completion of the Apparatus course the candidate:
- masters academic reference systems, citations, annotated bibliography, and literature review.
- can formulate logical and compelling written arguments in a well-structured text.
- applies skills to demonstrate scholarly autonomy and responsibility as an expert and leading practitioner or scholar.
- identifies relevant concerns in research ethics.
Teaching
The course is organized through dialogue-driven seminars/workshops in which the discussions centre on each candidate’s research topics, methods, and challenges.
Compulsory Activities
Teaching occurs in six mandatory workshops, each with a specific theme. Students must participate in the workshops, complete the assignments and join the final presentation day.
Assignments
Preparation of Reading list. Minimum 50 titles by January 14, 2026
Preparation of Annotated bibliography. Minimum 25 titles by January 14, 2026
Preparation of Literature review/theoretical framing by April 30, 2026
Presentation of Research Design (final presentation), May 7 2026